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Winter Garden adopts ordinance limiting e-bikes and motorized scooters; sets 10 mph cap on sidewalks and select trails
Summary
The Winter Garden City Commission adopted Ordinance 26-05 to regulate electric bicycles and motorized scooters, establishing a 10 mph limit on permitted sidewalks/off‑road pathways, requiring yielding to pedestrians and audible warnings, and adding an ID/safety-gear requirement for certain riders after a public hearing and resident comments.
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved Ordinance 26-05 after a public hearing in which residents urged more study and staff explained key clarifications.
City planner Kelly (staff presenter) told the commission the ordinance updates Chapter 74 to provide clear rules for e-bikes, motorized scooters and other wheeled mobility devices aimed at improving safety and reducing conflicts. Staff said the ordinance: limits motorized scooters and e-bikes to 10 miles per hour when operating on any permitted sidewalk or off‑road pathway; requires riders to yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing; removes language that had suggested motorized scooters were allowed on the West Orange Trail (staff said that trail is controlled by the county); and clarifies that persons under 16 may operate a motorized scooter if wearing proper safety gear and able to furnish a government‑issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID, or comparable government ID).
Several residents spoke during the public hearing. Lauren, a 25‑year Winter Garden resident and former competitive cyclist, urged the commission to postpone the vote so staff could further consult cyclists and local businesses, arguing the proposed rules could create burdens for responsible cyclists and that national classifications (class 1–3) add nuance staff should consider: "I don't think it's ready yet — I think you need more time before you pass this." John Gibbs, president of the Black Lake Park Homeowners Association, described dangerous riding by children on small electric bikes in his subdivision and warned that a serious injury was likely without stronger controls: "Some kid is gonna get killed in my subdivision." Rebecca Carpenter said a ban on trail use could force schoolchildren onto roads without sidewalks, creating practical safety problems for families. Dennis Jones, owner of Winter Garden Wheel Works, supported regulation but urged public education and expressed concern about the practicality of a 10 mph sidewalk limit.
Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement and jurisdictional limits for the West Orange Trail, confirming that the city can set speeds where it controls the trail within city limits but that portions under county control remain subject to county rules. Staff also explained the ID requirement applies when an enforcement action prompts an officer to request identification.
After questions, a commissioner moved to approve Ordinance 26-05 with the staff changes explained during the hearing; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission voted "aye," and the motion carried unanimously.
The ordinance is intended as a near-term local safety measure; staff and commissioners noted the Florida legislative session is expected to consider state-level rules that could require future adjustments to the city code. The commission said it will monitor enforcement and public feedback and amend the code as needed to align with any state statute.
